A big turnout for a ‘Roman day’ at the site of what was Glossop’s Melandra Roman fort could boost a bid for grants for a full site survey.

A big turnout for a ‘Roman day’ at the site of what was Glossop’s Melandra Roman fort could boost a bid for grants for a full site survey.

That’s the hope of the archaeological society which arranged the event at the Geoffrey Allen centre on Gamesley.

Around 300 people turned up to view items excavated at Melandra Castle over the years, from pieces of pottery to a leather sandal. They could also view a film show put together by pupils at St Philip Howard high school, back in the 1970s.

Kath Siddall, chairman of Glossop and Longdendale Archaeological Society, said: “Because it is a scheduled monument we have to work with English Heritage on the application for the Heritage Lottery grant and we intend to apply in the next few weeks.

“There are one or two things we are discussing with them before we apply for the grant but they are supportive.

“And as they are very keen on community involvement, this public response – which was very, very good – can only help us.

“The application is for £100,000 which sounds a lot but has quite a lot to cover.

“It would pay for professional archaeologists from Salford University, an education officer to link with the community, a geo-physical site survey, conservation work, excavations and reports which have to be written up.

“It’s all about restoring the site to what it should be, as an important legacy for Glossop.”

She added: “The fort must have been quite a lively place 2,000 years ago. It housed 500 soldiers, a bath house and there was also a civilian settlement, which is now underneath the estate.

“Anywhere else it would be a very good tourist attraction. It would be nice to have interpretation boards so people could see what it was like and a local museum to house all the exhibits. Many are on display at Buxton museum.”

The society is planning a similar exhibition at Central Methodist church in Glossop in November.

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